• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • History
    • Culture
      • Movies
    • My Life
      • Equestrian Family
        • Twins
  • Equestrian Style
    • Riding Style
    • Equestrian Care
      • Fitness
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • National
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • F#
    • Vintage
    • Saint Simeon: “Pony Man”
  • Reviews
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

chestnut horse wearing bridle without noseband
Horse Tack
/
September 20, 2023

The Different Styles of English Bridles

Many non-horse people look at a horse and just say “yup, that’s a horse, with a “bridal.”” There’s definitely a lot of confusion in the non-horse world about how a bridle works, as evidenced by the appalling kids toys that show up in my house. 

But even in the horse world, there’s SO MANY different kinds of bridles. Some bridles are for one thing, and some bridles aren’t allowed in that one thing, and others are the ONLY bridle allowed in that thing. It can be a lot. How do you even pick the right one? 

If you’ve owned for a long time, then yeah, you probably know and likely have a nice collection going. But if you haven’t, it’s a mess of different beautiful leather pieces, tumbling over each other like a swam of locust. Here’s a guide to help you select the one you need, and, as a bonus, learn why different bridles are so different. 

Snaffle Bridles

Snaffle bridle is the general term for any bridle used with just a single bit. It is by far the most commonly used type of bridle as it is extremely versatile. It’s used in competition, recreation riding, trail riding, starting young horses and basically any kind of riding. You control the horse with the bit, which applies pressure to the horse’s mouth and to a lesser extent, some pressure to the horse’s poll. 

Snaffle bridles typically have nosebands, unless you’re like me and you lost it and can’t find it, but most people use them. The noseband has a few purposes: it can stop the horse from opening its mouth and it’s where the standing martingale attaches (if used). There’s a few different nosebands depending on what kind of assistance the horse needs. 

Different disciplines have slightly different bridles that distinguish them from each other. Let’s go over the differences. 

Hunter Bridle

headshot of horse wearing a hunter bridle
Dover Saddlery Ergonomic Hunter Bridle

Hunter Bridles refers to bridles that would be used in show hunters (so, not foxhunters.) Hunter classes have rules about what kind of tack is allowed. Bridles are brown in color, elegant, and not flashy. Flashy is not a good look in hunters. But it is acceptable for some fancy stitching or raised leather pieces. The ideal is a “modest” look. 

This look is suitable for hunters (obviously) but it’s also suitable for basically everything else, too. You could easily use this look for most everything you could ever do with horses. This is the “standard” look, you could say.

But, hunters is picky and this is the only type of bridle allowed in show classes, so don’t bring your fancy nosebands and blinged out bridles into hunters.

Fox Hunting Bridle

head shot of horse wearing fox hunting bridle
Henri de Rivel Pro Hunt Bridle

A spin-off of the hunter bridle (or, more realistically, the hunter bridle is a spin off of this) is the hunting bridle. This bridle is used out in the field (of fox hunting). 

What makes it different? It is plain, in every sense. The leather cavesson is completely flat and wide with a simple browband, it’s standard “brown,” and there is no bling at all. No glitter, no decoration, nothing. 

While you’ll definitely see this bridle in the hunt field, it has started making an appearance back in the show ring. Everything old becomes new again…

Dressage Bridle

horse face with dressage bridle
Dover Saddlery Crystal Dressage Bridle

Dressage bridles are traditionally black, coordinated with black dressage saddles, but occasionally you’ll see brown. They typically have wider leather than hunter bridles, are padded, and the nosebands might be crank style. It’s trendy to have some blind, so lots of dressage bridles have contrasting leather, rhinestones or decorative metal. 

Dressage bridles frequently have flash nosebands, which is mainly to keep a loose ring bit still in the horse’s mouth. 

Eventing/Jumper/Combined Training Bridle

white horse wearing bridle suitable for eventing jumpers or dressage
ExionPro Fancy Designer Stitched Square Raised Snaffle Bridle

This type of bridle is very similar to the dressage bridle (and is allowed in dressage classes) but it usually comes in brown, the leather is thinner, and it doesn’t usually have a crank noseband, just a standard one.

They also have the flash noseband, but their intention is to keep the horse’s mouth shut as to not evade the bit. 

It could be used for all three phases of eventing, or sometimes people just use this for the jumping portions. It is also used in jumpers, or really anything except hunters, which would not allow a flash. If you took off the flash though, you’d be good.  

Figure 8 Bridle

Henri de Rivel Mono Crown Raised Figure 8 Bridle

The figure 8 refers to the noseband piece, the rest of the bridle is pretty standard. Figure 8’s have an extended noseband pieces which attaches high on the face below the jowls, and down below the bit. It’s similar to the flash noseband design, if the flash noseband got stretched out. This design is meant to keep the horse’s mouth closed, like a flash, but also to allow more airflow through the nose. 

You would typically see these kinds of bridles in an intense competition that involves speed and/or high jumps, they aren’t really needed for typical recreation riding… unless you just think they’re really cool. Which I did, which is why I own a figure 8 bridle. Do I ever use it? No, not in the last ten years. And I didn’t even need it ten years ago, either. 

Ergonomic Bridle

bay horse wearing ergonomic bridle
Shire Ergonomic Curved Flash Bridle

This type of bridle has been designed to follow the contours of the horse in an effort to reduce nerve points, offer a greater range of movement, and be a more comfortable experience for the horse. There’s more padding, and the straps are in different spots.

Ergonomic bridles have grown in popularity, and are widely accepted in competition… except for hunters.  

Weymouth or Double Bridle

horse wearing Weymouth Dressage bridle
Horze Vienna Weymouth Dressage Bridle

As the name suggests, a double bridle as two bits. Yes, two bits in the horse’s mouth at one time. 

They are usually only seen in upper level dressage, and are actually ONLY allowed in upper level dressage. You need to have a very skilled set of hands to handle the double reins or you could really mess up the horse. 

The intention of the double bridle is to have more finesse, which definitely makes sense when you’re talking about competing in dressage. 

There are also double bridles used in saddleseat. 

Bitless Bridle

palomino horse wearing bitless bridle
Wonder Care English Leather Crossover Bitless Bridle

Aptly named, bitless bridles have no bit. They are designed to apply pressure to different points of the horse’s face in place of using mouth pressure.

Bitless bridles are used if a horse has a sensitive mouth, injury, teeth issues, or sometimes behavioral issues. Sometimes riders feel that their horse will just be more comfortable without a bit. It can be a personal choice, or a required choice, depending on the horse. 

The huge variety of bridles offers many choices for riders, whether it is based on performance, behavioral, economic or stylistic goals. Even within the different categories, there’s a huge range of leather, color, and design options, meaning you are sure to find the perfect bridle. 

More on horse equipment

Why you should use Zebra print fly sheets

Wintec Saddle Review

The Different Kinds of Horse Boots

 

TAGS:bridledressageeventingfoxhuntingguidehunters
0 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

September 16, 2023

Wintec Close Contact – A Review and Story

July 16, 2020

Equine Couture Satin All Purpose Saddle Pad Review

March 7, 2016

Swanky Saddle Monogram Review

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
The Greatest Horse Books of All Time
Next Post
Catherine the Great, Horse Girl
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

equestrian, blogger, photographer, creater.

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Horse Care

Rönner Design

use code Courtney for 20% Off
product_title_1

Devotion Quarter Zip

product_title_2

Cavalia Flat Ankle Boots

product_title_3

Embroidered Stirrup Linen Pillow

product_title_4

Scarlet Blazer

product_title_5

Equinox Stationery Set

Wonder Equestrian

Use code AnEqLife for 10% off
product_title_1

Lace Detail Seamless Riding Shirt

product_title_2

London Deluxe Riding Breeches

product_title_3

Paris Long Riding Jacket

product_title_4

Rose Gold Stirrup Irons

product_title_5

Perfect Posture Riding Sports Bra

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video
Subscribe to My Channel

Recent Posts

  • black and white image of Jackie and Sardar at Glen Ora

    The Equestrian Life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis

    December 9, 2023
  • black and white image of the sky with a girl on her horse in the corner

    What You Should Know About Riding Helmets

    December 6, 2023
  • Grayson Highlands pony on top of a mountain with the sun setting in the background

    Want to See Wild Horses in the Eastern United States? These Places are the Best

    November 20, 2023

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. Thank you for clicking them as it really helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

Fashion has been inspired by equestrians for a long time, and likely a long time to come. It's a classic, beautiful look. It's form and function. It's sport and elegance. We equestrians like it, and it's nice that others appreciate it too, even if the fashion interpretation isn't always practical.

Next time you have a dirty ride, remember that even at your messiest, you're a fashion icon. You just happen to get up close and personal with dirt.

#equestrianfashion #fashion #style #horsestyle #equestrian #horses #horsegirl #riding #countrystyle #countrygirl #oldmoneylooks #horsesofinstagram
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Fashion has been inspired by equestrians for a long time, and likely a long time to come. It's a classic, beautiful look. It's form and function. It's sport and elegance. We equestrians like it, and it's nice that others appreciate it too, even if the fashion interpretation isn't always practical. Next time you have a dirty ride, remember that even at your messiest, you're a fashion icon. You just happen to get up close and personal with dirt. #equestrianfashion #fashion #style #horsestyle #equestrian #horses #horsegirl #riding #countrystyle #countrygirl #oldmoneylooks #horsesofinstagram
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm  wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him.

Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! 

#equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm  wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him.

Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! 

#equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him. Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! #equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy. #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible! #iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
He makes me happy but also causes confused and vacant expressions, but like, overall, pretty happy

#horsesofinstagram #horsegirl #equestrian #instahorse #horselife
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
He makes me happy but also causes confused and vacant expressions, but like, overall, pretty happy #horsesofinstagram #horsegirl #equestrian #instahorse #horselife
9 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
When you have to  guess at what your trainer said 🤷 more leg is always acceptable

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrian #horses #horselife #moreleg #ridinglesson
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
When you have to guess at what your trainer said 🤷 more leg is always acceptable #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrian #horses #horselife #moreleg #ridinglesson
9 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.